Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A large-scale fire erupted at Glodok Plaza, located on Jalan Pinangsia Raya, Mangga Besar, Taman Sari, West Jakarta, on the evening of Wednesday, January 16, 2025. The blaze, which reportedly originated on the building’s seventh floor, persisted well into Thursday morning as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain it.
Eyewitness Accounts
Kombes Pol Ade Ary Syam Indradi, Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Police, revealed that the fire’s initial signs were reported by two witnesses, AG (24) and S (55). According to their testimony, the fire started near a videotron in a disused nightclub area on the seventh floor.
The witnesses stated they first noticed the smell of smoke, which soon turned into visible flames. Both individuals attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful. “They tried to put out the flames but failed, and the fire quickly grew out of control, leaving them trapped,” Ade Ary explained. The duo eventually managed to escape after emergency services arrived at the scene.
Emergency Response
The Jakarta Fire and Rescue Department responded promptly, deploying 44 fire trucks and over a hundred personnel to combat the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire proved challenging to extinguish due to its rapid spread and intensity.
As of 8 a.m. local time on Thursday, periodic extinguishing operations were still being conducted, and the site was under constant monitoring to prevent potential reignition.
The Jakarta Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed that numerous individuals were safely evacuated from the building. Among those rescued were U (55), N (56), A (55), BJ (63), M (45), AG (62), G (55), and S. All evacuees were provided with immediate medical attention.
“The evacuees are currently in stable condition and receiving necessary care,” said Mohamad Yohan, Head of the Data and Communication Center at BPBD Jakarta.
Investigations Underway
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have originated from an unused nightclub area on the seventh floor, but this has yet to be confirmed.
The case has been officially handed over to the Taman Sari Police for further investigation. “We are still gathering evidence and testimonies to determine the exact cause of this unfortunate incident,” Ade Ary stated.
Community Concerns and Safety Measures
The fire at Glodok Plaza, a well-known commercial hub in Jakarta, has raised concerns about fire safety measures in high-density urban areas. The incident has reignited debates about the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of fire safety protocols in both residential and commercial buildings across the capital.
In the past, similar incidents have highlighted gaps in safety standards, including inadequate fire suppression systems and lack of regular inspections. This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preventative measures in safeguarding lives and property.
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A Broader Implication
With the rapid urbanization of Jakarta, ensuring public safety in commercial establishments has become a pressing issue. Glodok Plaza, a vital center for business and commerce, will likely face scrutiny regarding its safety compliance in the wake of this disaster.
While no fatalities have been reported, the incident underscores the vulnerability of aging infrastructure and the potential risks posed by inadequate maintenance. Local authorities are expected to intensify inspections and enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As Jakarta continues to develop, balancing urban growth with safety measures will remain a crucial challenge for the city’s policymakers. This incident at Glodok Plaza is a somber reminder of the consequences of neglecting these critical considerations.
(Becky)
